ATLANTA- On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, a severe turbulence incident took place involving Delta Air Lines (DL) flight DL175, which was en route from Milan (MXP) to Atlanta (ATL).
The flight was operated by an Airbus A350-900 aircraft with the registration code N576DZ, having been in service for three years.
Delta A350 Turbulence Over Atlanta
The flight lasted 9 hours and 47 minutes and proceeded uneventfully until the approach phase. Approximately 40 miles northeast of Atlanta, the aircraft encountered a bout of severe turbulence.
Out of the total 151 passengers and 14 crew members on board, 11 individuals sustained injuries as a result.
These injured individuals were promptly transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Fortunately, none of the injuries are deemed life-threatening.
Official Statement
A spokesperson from Delta commented on the incident:
“Delta Care Team members are currently taking steps to connect with passengers aboard Delta Flight 175, which experienced severe turbulence before safely landing in Atlanta on Tuesday. Our utmost priority is assisting our customers and crew members who sustained injuries. We extend our gratitude to the first responders who promptly attended to the aircraft, rendering medical attention and facilitating the transportation of the injured to the hospital.”
While aviation is widely acknowledged as a remarkably safe mode of travel, it is essential not to overlook the simplest yet most effective precaution we can take during flights – fastening our seatbelts.
Despite the awareness among flight crews about potential turbulence, the severity of such instances can be challenging to predict.
Thus, it is recommended to remain seatbelted while seated, especially so when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.
Similar Turbulence Incident
In one of the most intense incidents of turbulence in recent years, a British Airways (BA) flight experienced harrowing moments as passengers screamed in terror and five crew members suffered horrifying injuries at 30,000 feet.
The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, en route to London (LHR) from Singapore (SIN), encountered stormy skies shortly after takeoff, resulting in violent buffeting that distressed the in-flight team and passengers.
Among the crew, one member endured a dislocated ankle. While another suffered a concussion from being thrown around the cabin.
A stewardess, who experienced severe bruising, required an MRI scan for her hip injury. Subsequently, One crew member remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery on their ankle and femur.
The incident occurred during the early hours of that day, approximately four hours into the flight. The aircraft had crossed over the Andaman Sea and was above the Bay of Bengal when the severe and sustained turbulence struck, catching both passengers and crew off guard.
Bottom Line
Yesterday, a Delta Airbus A350 experienced severe turbulence as it was descending for its approach to Atlanta Airport. This incident resulted in injuries to 11 individuals comprising passengers and crew members.
Fortunately, the flight wasn’t operating at full capacity, and the occurrence took place during the descent phase, likely when the seatbelt sign was activated.
Had the flight been more crowded or the turbulence encountered during another phase, the potential for more injuries could have been significant. Our wishes go out for a swift recovery for those who sustained injuries.
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